Historical Underpinnings of Social Justice:

The concept of Social Justice first surfaced in Western thought and political language in the wake of the industrial revolution and the parallel development of the socialist doctrine.

It emerged as an expression of protest against what was perceived as the capitalist exploitation of labour and as a focal point for the development of measures to improve the human condition.

It was born as a revolutionary slogan embodying the ideals of progress and fraternity.

Following the revolutions that shook Europe in the mid-1800s, social justice became a rallying cry for progressive thinkers and political activists…. By the mid-twentieth century, the concept of social justice had become central to the ideologies and programmes of virtually all the leftist and centrist political parties around the world…”

In India, Social Justice emerged as a major driving force after the experience of colonialism and development of India’s aspirations for a just society.